Menstrual and gynaecological health conditions, such as period pain, are incredibly common, affecting around 9 in 10 under the age of 25, while endometriosis is about as common as diabetes, and most women will experience perimenopausal symptoms.  Despite this there has been limited research and support for women, girls, and those who menstruate, leading to significant impacts at school, higher education and work. This event will explore how these conditions impact people across the lifespan and what can be done to help reduce these impacts to help ensure gender equity across many the different spheres of life.

About the presenters: 

A/Prof Mike Armour is an Associate Professor in Reproductive Health, at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University. His work focuses on endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, period pain and menstrual health. He has published over 120 papers on women’s and reproductive health and is currently running several clinical studies on endometriosis, period pain (dysmenorrhea) and menopause. He is the chair of the Australasian Interdisciplinary Researchers in Endometriosis (AIRE), academic co-lead of the Menstrual Cycle Research Network at Western, and a World Endometriosis Society ambassador.

Prof Tania Ferfolja is Professor in Social and Cultural Diversity in the School of Education/Centre for Educational Research at Western Sydney University. Her work focuses on equity in education particularly in relation to gender and sexuality diversities in curricula, policy, pedagogy, education and employment practices in Australia and internationally. Tania is also a member of an award-winning interdisciplinary research team examining the experiences and support needs of young people who menstruate in school education. Her teaching complements her research, focusing on the areas of in/equity, discrimination, social justice and critical social and cultural inclusion in education. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her research and teaching throughout her career.

Dr Michelle O’Shea is a Senior Lecturer and interdisciplinary gender equity scholar in the School of Business at Western Sydney University. Through her research and advocacy, Dr O'Shea is committed to understanding and redressing gender and intersectional inequities in work, education, and health/sport institutional contexts.

Location: Parramatta City Campus or online via Zoom (this is a hybrid event)

Room details: Level 9, Conference Room 2.